Through bond referenda in 1978 and 1989 the majority of the County’s regional park and environmentally sensitive lands system was established. The 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Program provided $400 million to renovate the Parks system and acquire the remaining natural lands and open spaces for passive recreational use.

Additionally, through regulatory mechanisms, numerous wetland communities have been preserved, or their impacts have been mitigated for by on-site creation or off-site wetland banks. These wetland mitigation areas comprise a significant portion of our natural lands inventory.

"Climate Smart Conservation: Putting Adaptation Principles into Practice. Looks at how climate change already is affecting the nation’s wildlife and habitats, and addresses how natural resource managers will need to prepare for and adapt to these unprecedented changes. Developed by a broad collaboration of experts from federal, state, and non-governmental institutions, the guide offers practical steps for crafting conservation actions to enhance the resilience of the natural ecosystems on which wildlife and people depend."